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The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), under the Ministry of Climate Change, has launched a new Action Plan for Vehicular Emission Control in Islamabad to tackle worsening air pollution and smog levels in the capital.
Developed in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, Islamabad Transport Authority, and Traffic Police, the plan sets both short-term and long-term measures to reduce pollution, modernize transport, and promote cleaner air.
“This ambitious plan gives Islamabad a clear roadmap toward cleaner and healthier air,” said Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, emphasizing that the initiative focuses on enforcement, innovation, and public awareness for long-term impact.
Short-Term Measures (0–18 Months)
| Action | Description |
| Emission Checks | Regular and surprise roadside inspections by Pak-EPA and Islamabad Traffic Police. |
| Compliance Certificates | Emission certificates to be mandatory for registration and ownership transfer. |
| Diesel Vehicle Focus | Checks for trucks, buses, and tankers emitting high pollutants. |
| Ban on Trash Burning | Strict penalties for open burning of solid waste under the Environmental Protection Act. |
Long-Term Measures (18–60 Months)
| Initiative | Details |
| Electric Vehicle Program | Establishment of charging stations, 10% EV quota in government fleets, and tax incentives. |
| Fuel Quality Upgrade | Transition to Euro-5 fuels by 2027 and Euro-6 by 2030. |
| Vehicle Retirement Policy | Phasing out vehicles over 10–15 years old; fitness tests mandatory for cars older than five years. |
| Scrappage Scheme | Financial incentives for retiring high-emission vehicles. |
Shaikh noted that vehicular emissions are now the second-largest contributor to air pollution in Islamabad, after industrial sources. He highlighted that harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter pose severe risks to respiratory and heart health.
“If implemented effectively, Islamabad can become the first Pakistani city to align its transport emissions policy with global standards,” he added, calling it a model for sustainable urban living.
Air pollution in Islamabad has surged in recent years due to rapid urbanization and an aging vehicle fleet. The new plan aims to bring the capital in line with global clean air benchmarks and set an example for other major Pakistani cities.
